Smart panel device and method

ABSTRACT

A smart panel device comprising at, least, one memory, at least one module, wherein the at least one module is detachably coupled to the smart panel device, and wherein the smart panel device is communicatively coupled to at least one building wiring, a processor, coupled to the at least one memory, the processor is configured to cause a first action upon detecting a first activity.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The entire contents of the following applications are incorporatedherein by reference: U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No.15/386,670; filed on Dec. 21, 2016; and entitled AUTONOMOUS PAIRING OFINTERNET OF THINGS DEVICES. U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser.No. 15/454,446; filed on Mar. 9, 2017; and entitled DUAL VIDEO SIGNALMONITORING AND MANAGEMENT OF A PERSONAL INTERNET PROTOCOL SURVEILLANCECAMERA. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 15/488,211 filed onApr. 14, 2017; and entitled AN INTERACTIVE AUGMENTED-REALITY IoT DEVICESSYSTEMS AND METHODS. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No.15/490,826 filed on Apr. 18, 2017; and entitled GARAGE DOOR CONTROLLERAND MONITORING SYSTEM AND METHOD. Nonprovisional patent application Ser.No. 15/620,749 filed on Jun. 12, 2017; and entitled SMART REGISTERDEVICE AND METHOD. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 15/625,601filed on Jun. 16, 2017; and entitled SMART FAN AND VENTILATION DEVICEAND METHOD. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 15/680,146 filedon Aug. 17, 2017; and entitled DETERMINING A COMMUNICATION LANGUAGE FORINTERNET OF THINGS DEVICES. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No.15/703,718 filed on Jun. 5, 2017; and entitled AUTONOMOUS AND REMOTEPAIRING OF INTERNET OF THINGS DEVICES UTILIZING A CLOUD SERVICE II.Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 1,818,275 filed on Nov. 20,2017; and entitled AUTOMATED SMART DOORBELL DEVICE AND METHOD.Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 15/835,985 filed on Dec. 8,2017; and entitled AUTONOMOUS AND REMOTE PAIRING OF INTERNET OF THINGSDEVICES UTILIZING A CLOUD SERVICE.

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to controlling and monitoringelectronic devices within a structure, and more particularly, to a usercontrollable device for monitoring, controlling, and communicating withsmart home devices.

BACKGROUND

Many homes are connected through a router to a network of devices, acircuit panel delivers power throughout the home to power the router andkeep these devices connected. The home network may include numerouswireless devices, smart home devices, TVs, thermostats, smoke detectors,security cameras, etc. However, many of these devices need a constantsupply of power from an outlet in the home that may not be convenient orpossible to install such a device. Furthermore, some light switchlocations may provide a convenient installation location of suchdevices.

Power in many homes is supplied through electrical wiring runningthrough the attic, garage, between walls, or under the home flooring.The electrical wiring runs to outlets, switches, and fixtures within thehome. Conventional outlets and switches provide a simple function ofpowering plugged in devices or lighting. Therefore, modifying suchoutlets and switches may provide for an easy, efficient andcost-effective means of adding greater control and functionality to ahome.

SUMMARY

The disclosed subject matter relates to a Smart Switch device andmethod. The Smart Switch device comprising at least one memory, at leastone module, wherein the at least one module is detachably coupled to thesmart panel device, and wherein the smart panel device iscommunicatively coupled to at least one building wiring, and aprocessor, coupled to the at least one memory, the processor isconfigured to cause a first action upon detecting a first activity. Thesmart panel device further comprising a network module coupling thesmart panel device to a local area network, wherein the smart paneldevice is communicably coupled to and receives instruction from at leastone of a remote computing device, a server, or one or more other smartpanel devices. The smart panel device comprises of at least oneconnector for detachably coupling the at least one module to the smartpanel device and configured to be attached to a wall box. The smartpanel device further being communicably coupled to one or moreelectronic devices.

The at least one module of the smart panel device comprising a touchsensitive surface, wherein user interaction with the touch sensitivesurface transmits a control signal to the one or more electronicdevices. The user interaction with the touch sensitive surface of the atleast one module operates at least one of a light bulb, lightingfixture, or outlet. The at least one module comprising of at least oneinterconnect port for coupling at least one of an interconnect cable,power cable, media cable, or an electronic device to the smart paneldevice. The smart panel device further comprises a voltageregulator/converter for providing a predetermined current and voltage toat least one of the interconnect port and the at least one module.

The at least one of the one or more sensors is integrated within thesmart panel device. The processor of the smart panel device beingconfigured to operate the one or more electronic devices based oninstructions stored on the at least one memory. The smart panel devicefurther comprising one or more sensor covers for covering the one ormore sensors and wherein the one or more sensor covers are configured bythe processor. The first action of the smart panel device comprising ofcollecting at least one of geolocation information, visual information,audio information, and environmental information. Following the firstaction the smart panel device may send a notification alert, the visualinformation, the audio information, and the environmental information tothe remote computing device. A combination of facial recognitiontechnology, voice recognition technology and an ability to adjust thesensitivity of the one or more sensors enables the smart panel device todiscriminate between the presence of a human being and other livingbeings.

The at least one module is one of a video teleconferencing array module,system on a chip (SOC), Wi-Fi extender, thermostat, speaker, intercom,virtual assistant device, camera, motion sensor, temperature sensor,humidity sensor, or wind sensor, and wherein the one or more sensorsacquire space information or individual information of a surroundingenvironment to enable image recognition technology, facial recognitiontechnology, geolocation technology, or voice recognition technology.

The disclosed subject matter further relates to a method of detecting,by one or more sensors, an environmental condition, communicating theenvironmental condition to a smart panel device, and performing a firstaction, by the smart panel device, based on the detecting. The methodincluding a first action comprising of operating at least one of a lightbulb, ceiling fan, lighting fixture, or outlet. The first action furthercomprising attaching a device to the smart panel device, and providing apredetermined current and voltage to the attached device. The attacheddevice being at least one of a cable coupled to an electronic device anda module communicably coupled to one or more electronic devices. Thesmart panel device is communicably coupled to one or more smart paneldevices, and wherein environmental condition comprises of at least oneof a temperature, humidity, smoke, CO, CO₂, air particulate, ambientlight, motion, barometer, infrared, airflow or airspeed information, andwherein the first action comprises of acquiring the environmentalcondition by at least one of the one or more smart panel devices or theone or more electronic devices, from at least an interior environment oran exterior environment.

The method further comprising of comparing the environmental conditionacquired by the one or more smart panel devices to user preferencesstored in a database prior to performing the first action. A user isprompted to approve of operating the one or more electronic devices,wherein at least one of the one or more sensors is integrated within thesmart panel device, and detecting the surrounding environment utilizesat least one of image recognition technology, facial recognitiontechnology, geofencing technology, or voice recognition technology.

The first action further comprises of acquiring at least one of a spaceinformation and an individual information of a surrounding environment,wherein the individual information comprises of at least one of thefollowing: size, build, temperature, and number of individuals in thespace, and wherein the space information comprises of at least one ofthe following: furniture type and location, smart panel deviceinstallation location, status and location of windows and doors,openings and cavities in the surrounding environment.

The space information acquired by the one or more sensors is compared toa stored space information in a database. The method further comprisingof storing the space information acquired by the one or more sensors inthe database; wherein the database is stored on a server or an at leastone memory of the smart panel device. Comparing the at least one of thespace information to user preferences stored in the database prior. Thespace information in the database being updated with the spaceinformation acquired by the one or more sensors or one or moreelectronic devices, and wherein a user is prompted to approve updatingof the database with the space information acquired by the one or moresensors.

It is understood that other configurations of the present disclosurewill become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from thefollowing detailed description, wherein various configurations of thepresent disclosure are shown and described by way of illustration. Aswill be realized, the present disclosure of other differentconfigurations and its several details are capable of modifications invarious other respects, all without departing from the subjecttechnology. Accordingly, the drawings and the detailed description areto be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Certain features of the present disclosure are set forth in the appendedclaims. However, for purpose of explanation, several implementations ofthe present disclosure are set forth in the following figures.

FIGS. 1A-1F illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a Smart Panel system.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the Smart Panel systemFIGS. 1A-1F being implemented locally and remotely.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the internal components ofthe Smart Panel system of FIGS. 1A-1C.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a flowchart ofinteractions and operations of the Smart Panel system of FIGS. 1A-1C.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the Smart Panel system ofFIGS. 1A-1C communicating with other smart devices or remote computingdevices.

Embodiments of the present disclosure and their advantages are bestunderstood by referring to the detailed description that follows. Itshould be appreciated that like-reference-numerals are used to identifylike-elements illustrated in one or more of the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration,where appropriate, reference numerals have been repeated among thedifferent figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. Inaddition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide athorough understanding of the embodiments described herein. However, itwill be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that theembodiments described herein may be practiced without these specificdetails. In other instances, methods, procedures, and components havenot been described in detail so as not to obscure the related relevantfeature being described. Also, the description is not to be consideredas limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein. The drawingsare not necessarily to scale and the proportions of certain parts havebeen exaggerated to better illustrate details and features of thepresent disclosure.

Various features of the present disclosure will now be described, and isnot intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein.Modifications to these features and embodiments will be readily apparentto those skilled in the art, and the principles defined herein may beapplied to other embodiments without departing from the scope of thedisclosure.

The exemplary Smart Panels of the present disclosure allow for addingremote access control and/or greater functionality to existing lightswitch wall box. In many buildings, the positioning of the light switchfacilitates ease of access and convenience for connecting, powering, oroperating various electronic devices, for example, IoT devices, smarthome devices, thermostats, cameras, speakers, an intercom, interconnectports (e.g. audio, video, power, or data cabling/interface/ports, forexample, RJ45, CAT 5, 5e, 6, 6a, 7, HDMI, VGA, Display Port, USB, DVI,computer bus interface, speaker binding posts, etc.,) for connectingand/or power various electronic devices, virtual assistants (e.g. avoice operable AI device), system on a chip (SOC), Wi-Fi boosters orextenders, a touch interface control panel for controlling various otherelectronic devices, as well as many other devices. The Smart Panels maybe electrically and/or communicably coupled, for example, the SmartPanel may be a speaker having an optical (or wireless) connection forattaching to a base unit or wall box.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-1F as exemplary Smart Panels 104 a, 104 b, 104 c,104 d, 104 e, 104 f, 104 g (hereafter referred to as 104 a-104 g) usedin accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments of the presentdisclosure. An exemplary Smart Panel 104 a-104 g may be removablyconnected to a Smart Panel base module 101 through one or moreconnection slots 102 on the base module 101 as shown in FIGS. 1A-1F. Insome exemplary embodiments, the base module 101 may include one or moreelectrical, magnetic, or physical attachment means to accommodate,secure, and connect one or more Smart Panels 104 a-104 g to the basemodule 101 and/or wall box 100. The Smart Panels 104 a-104 g maysimilarly include one or more connectors 103 for communicably couplingto the one or more connection slots 102 of the base module 101, and oneor more attachment means for physically coupling to the base module 101.The Smart Panels 104 a-104 g and base module 101 attach to the wall box100 and to the electrical wiring of the building.

The connection slots 102 may be recessed into the base module 101,connection slots 102 may be located within a recess of the base module101. In some exemplary embodiments, connection slots 102 may be flushwith the top surface of base module 101 and need not be formed as arecess in the base module 101, or positioned within a recessed area onthe base module 101.

Several safety mechanisms are provided to secure the Smart Panels 104a-104 g and prevent electrocution to user from attaching or detachingthe Smart Panels 104 a-104 g from the base module 101. For example, anattachment mechanism 105 may be used to secure the Smart Panels 104a-104 g in place to ensure electricity leaving the base module 101 onlyenters the connectors 103 of the Smart Panels 104 a-104 g through theconnection slots 102. Another exemplary safety mechanism may include,for example, a retention mechanism 106 that may be used to preventaccidental removal of the Smart Panels 104 a-104 g. Moreover, when theSmart Panels 104 a-104 g are removed, the retention mechanism 106 maytrigger connection slots 102 to become recessed, covered, grounded,insulated, or otherwise electrically non-conductive. The connectionsslots 102 may further be covered by a flap or recessed further down intoa slot. As another example, spring lock leads 107 may be used to secureSmart Panels 104 a-104 g in place on the base module 101 to ensureelectricity leaving the base module 101 only enters the spring lockleads 107. The spring lock leads 107 may be used alone or in combinationwith retention mechanism 106, attachment mechanism 105, and connectionslots 102 to secure and electrical or communicably (e.g. optically)couple Smart Panels 104 a-104 g to base module 101. Similarly, theconnection slots 102 may include a spring lock or other lockingmechanism to secure and electrical or communicably (e.g. optically)couple Smart Panels 104 a-104 g to base module 101. Thus, connectionslots 102 may be used alone or in combination with retention mechanism106, attachment mechanism 105, and spring lock leads 107. Moreover, insome exemplary embodiments the connection (e.g. connection slots 102,retention mechanism 106, attachment mechanism 105, and spring lock leads107) of the Smart Panels 104 a-104 g to the base module 101 may bethrough, for example, any combination of leads, pins, ball grid array(BGA) connection, or the like to minimize physical layout dimensions ofthe Smart Panels 104 a-104 g and the base module 101.

In some exemplary embodiments, the attachment mechanism 105 may beformed of a plurality of parts. One or more parts of the attachmentmechanism 105 being formed on the base module 101 and one or more otherparts being formed on the Smart Panel 104 a-104 g. The one or more partsof the attachment mechanism 105 facilitate a connection between theSmart Panel 104 a-104 g and the base module 101. The base module 101connecting the Smart Panels 104 a-104 g to the building wiring and/orcommunication interface. Alternatively, the attachment mechanism 105 maybe located only on, for example, the base module 101 or the Smart Panel104 a-104 g.

The attachment mechanism 105 may have, for example, a rigid or pliablestructure or membrane as a suitable interface for coupling and securingSmart Panels 104 a-104 g onto the base module 101. The attachmentmechanism 105 may function together with the connection slots 102 tosecure and hold the Smart Panel 104 a-104 g in place. The attachmentmechanism 105 may be made of any combination of suitable metal, copper,rhodium, tin, silver, gold, iron, stainless steel, nylon, fiberglass,ceramic, piezo-ceramic, carbon, polycarbonate, plastic, glass, alloy,composite, Teflon, or fiber for coupling, fixing, retention, or adheringof Smart Panels 104 a-104 g to the base module 101. The attachmentmechanism 105 may include magnetic panels, electrical leads, prongs,slots, or terminals for receiving and securing Smart Panels 104 a-104 gto the base module 101 and facilitating a physical electrical connectionand/or wireless communication between the base module 101 and the SmartPanels 104 a-104 g.

In some exemplary embodiments, the release/retention mechanism 106 maybe formed of a plurality of parts. One or more parts of therelease/retention mechanism 106 being formed on the base module 101 andone or more other parts being formed on the Smart Panel 104 a-104 g. Theone or more parts of the release/retention mechanism 106 facilitate aconnection between the Smart Panel 104 a-104 g and the base module 101.The base module 101 connecting the Smart Panels 104 a-104 g to thebuilding wiring and/or communication interface. Alternatively, therelease/retention mechanism 106 may be located only on, for example, thebase module 101 or the Smart Panel 104 a-104 g.

Moreover, the release/retention mechanism 106 and/or the base module 101may include, for example, a retractable hook controllable through asafety notch or pin for decoupling one or more Smart Panels 104 a-104 gfrom the base module 101. The Smart Panels 104 a-104 g may becommunicably connected to the base module 101 by pressing down on therelease/retention mechanism 106 to retract the hook and to allow theSmart Panel 104 a-104 g to be attached to the base module 101. Once theSmart Panels 104 a-104 g are in place, the retractable hook springs backto lock the Smart Panels 104 a-104 g to the base module 101.

The release/retention mechanism 106 may have, for example, a rigid orpliable structure or membrane as a suitable interface for coupling andsecuring Smart Panels 104 a-104 g onto the base module 101. Therelease/retention mechanism 106 may function together with theconnection slots 102 to secure and hold the Smart Panel 104 a-104 g inplace. The release/retention mechanism 106 may be made of anycombination of suitable metal, copper, rhodium, tin, silver, gold, iron,stainless steel, nylon, fiberglass, ceramic, piezo-ceramic, carbon,polycarbonate, plastic, glass, alloy, composite, Teflon, or fiber forcoupling, fixing, retention, or adhering of Smart Panels 104 a-104 g tothe base module 101. The release/retention mechanism 106 may includemagnetic panels, electrical leads, prongs, slots, or terminals forreceiving and securing Smart Panels 104 a-104 g to the base module 101and facilitating a physical electrical connection and/or wirelesscommunication between the base module 101 and the Smart Panels 104 a-104g.

In some exemplary embodiments, the spring lock leads 107 may be formedof a plurality of parts. One or more parts of the spring lock leads 107being formed on the base module 101 and one or more other parts beingformed on the Smart Panel 104 a-104 g. The one or more parts of thespring lock leads 107 facilitate a connection between the Smart Panel104 a-104 g and the base module 101. The base module 101 connecting theSmart Panels 104 a-104 g to the building wiring and/or communicationinterface. Alternatively, the spring lock leads 107 may be located onlyon, for example, the base module 101 or the Smart Panel 104 a-104 g.

The spring lock leads 107 may have, for example, a rigid or pliablestructure or membrane as a suitable interface for coupling and securingSmart Panels 104 a-104 g onto the base module 101. The spring lock leads107 may function together with the connection slots 102 to secure andhold the Smart Panel 104 a-104 g in place. The spring lock leads 107 maybe made of any combination of suitable metal, copper, rhodium, tin,silver, gold, iron, stainless steel, nylon, fiberglass, ceramic,piezo-ceramic, carbon, polycarbonate, plastic, glass, alloy, composite,Teflon, or fiber for coupling, fixing, retention, or adhering of SmartPanels 104 a-104 g to the base module 101. The spring lock leads 107 mayinclude magnetic panels, electrical leads, prongs, slots, or terminalsfor receiving and securing Smart Panels 104 a-104 g to the base module101 and facilitating a physical electrical connection and/or wirelesscommunication between the base module 101 and the Smart Panels 104 a-104g.

The exemplary Smart Panels 104 a-104 g and base module 101 may be usedto control existing light switches, ceiling fan controls, ceilingfixtures, light fixture controls, dimmers, sound, or motion sensorunits, and conventional light switch receptacles. As shown in FIGS.1A-1B, an existing wall box 100 with single unit or multi-unit switchmay be replaced with a base module 101, and one or more Smart Panels 104a-104 g. As shown in FIGS. 1A-1F, each Smart Panel 104 a-104 g maycomprise of one or more modules 108, each exemplary module 108 of aSmart Panel 104 a-104 g may include electronic devices, touch screens,mechanical switches, touch sensitive switches, displays, graphicaland/or touch interfaces, power connectors or connections, audio andvideo cabling/interface/ports, virtual assistant (e.g. a voice operableAI device), etc. For example, Smart Panel 104 a-104 g may comprise ofone or more components, for example, a speaker, a microphone, and acamera.

The modules 108 may include a device for operating one or moreelectronic devices within a building or home. FIG. 1A shows threeexemplary modules 108 (top, center, and bottom). The exemplary modules108 may include a light switch at top module 108, a camera at centermodule 108, and a microphone/speaker at bottom module 108. In someexemplary embodiments as shown in FIGS. 1E-1F, each module 108 may haveseveral integrated electronic devices, for example, the camera,microphone, speaker may be included in the top module 108, a touchinterface, motion sensor, and dimmer may be included in the bottommodule 108. In some exemplary embodiments as shown in FIG. 1B, themodule 108 may include several swappable electronic devices that mayfunction together or individually, for example, the top module 108 mayinclude a thermostat, intercom, and display, while the bottom module 108may include a virtual assistant, camera, and storage device that addsfunctionality and storage to top module 108.

One or more modules 108 may contain all the necessary hardware,software, and firmware to function as a standalone product, workingindependently of the base module 101. For example, the module 108, maybe a camera, comprising of external and internal components necessary tooperate as a camera, such as for example, a lens, a flash light source,a touch or graphical interface, microphone and speaker, a sensor, acontroller, a processor, memory, storage, a network module, etc.However, modules 108 may contain some or all components, for example,necessary for operating as a camera, while delegating processing,storage, and network connectivity to the base module 101. Further,modules 108 may include interconnect cables or ports (e.g. media, power,or data cabling/interface/ports, for example, RJ45, CAT 5, 5e, 6, 6a, 7,HDMI, VGA, Display Port, USB, DVI, computer bus interface, speakerbinding posts, etc.,) for coupling to various electronic devices.

Moreover, the one or more modules 108 may provide an interface forconnecting, powering, or operating an electronic device wirelesslycoupled to the base module 101 or coupled by wire to the base module 101through interconnect cables or ports on the module 108. Thus, modules108 may connect, power, or operate various electronic devices, forexample, IoT devices, smart home devices, thermostats, cameras,speakers, an intercom, interconnect ports (e.g. audio, video, power, ordata cabling/interface/ports, for example, RJ45, CAT 5, 5e, 6, 6a, 7,HDMI, VGA, Display Port, USB, DVI, computer bus interface, speakerbinding posts, etc.,) for connecting and/or power various electronicdevices, virtual assistants (e.g. a voice operable AI device), system ona chip (SOC), Wi-Fi boosters or extenders, a touch interface controlpanel for controlling various other electronic devices, as well as manyother devices.

The one or more modules 108 may further include a sensor cover forcovering the one or more sensors, wherein the processor instructs thesensor cover to move to cover the one or more sensors. For example,module 108 may include a sensor cover for covering a camera 358 of theSmart Panel 350 to provide for privacy. The controller 354 and/or theprocessor 302 may instruct the sensor cover to move to cover the one ormore sensor component. Moreover, the sensor cover may also mechanicallymovable for covering the camera 358.

Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 1C-1D, conventional electrical wall boxes100 (1-, 2-, 3-gang boxes, etc.,) may be replaced with smart wall box120 or smart wall box 130. Smart wall boxes 120, 130 may includeappropriate electronic components (e.g. a transformer, voltageconverter/regulator, AC/DC or DC/DC power converter, or frequencyconverter, etc.), circuitry, and wiring 110 for quick and universalinstallation into existing electric wiring of a building or home. Insome exemplary embodiments, the base module 101 may be embedded withinthe smart wall box 120, 130 for receiving modules 108 as shown in FIG.1A and FIGS. 1C-1D. Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 1C-1D, the base module101 and Smart Panels 104 a-104 g may be pre-installed and pre-wiredwithin the smart wall box 120, 130 as a package for easy installationinto the electrical wiring of a building or home by a contractor,electrician, professional installer, licensed professional, or the like.In some exemplary embodiments, where a convention electrical wall boxes100 is replaced with base module 101 and Smart Panels 104 a-104 g, thebase module 101 may include appropriate electronic components (e.g. atransformer, voltage converter/regulator, AC/DC or DC/DC powerconverter, or frequency converter, etc.), circuitry, and wiring foruniversal installation into existing electric wiring of a building orhome.

The base module 101 may be fitted with various Smart Panels 104 a-104 ghaving one or more modules 108. For example, a light switch (not shown)and wall box 100 may be replaced with a smart wall switch 120, 130, basemodule 101, and Smart Panels 104 a-104 g having a light switch module103. The base module 101 may be programmed by the user to operate as,for example, a light switch or ceiling fan. Once connected to the basemodule 101, the Smart Panel 104 a-104 g may provide identificationinformation (e.g. device type, make, model, functionality list, id,etc.) to the base module 101 outlining a list of user operations andinteractions. The Smart Panels 104 a-104 g may then be installed ontoand electrically and/or communicably coupled to base module 101.

In some exemplary embodiments, the base module 101 may includeappropriate electronic components (e.g. a transformer, voltageconverter/regulator, AC/DC or DC/DC power converter, or frequencyconverter, etc.), circuitry, and wiring for quick and universalinstallation into an existing wall box 100. For example, the base module101 may include a transformer module configured to provide any one of:DC voltage of 5V and current of 1 A, DC voltage of 5V and current of 2A, DC voltage of 12V and current of 1 A, DC voltage of 12V and currentof 2 A, and AC voltage of 24V and current of 1 A, etc. Moreover, thebase module 101 can limit current draw from the electrical wiring (e.g.from a current of 9 A to a current of 2 A) in the building to reducepower consumption during peak hours, or to limit power consumption basedon learned user habits, or user scheduling. The base module 101 mayinclude a power supply module configured to connect to both 220V or 110Vstandards, and provide predetermined AC or DC voltages of between about1V-48V or more, and between 1 A-48 A or more. The delivery of currentand voltage to the one or more modules 108 may be filtered, regulated,limited or otherwise altered by the based module 101.

Moreover, Smart Panels 104 a-104 g and base module 101 may be removedfrom the wall box 100 to be repaired, replaced, and/or upgraded to anewer base module 101 with new software, firmware, storage, I/O, andhardware. The Smart Panels 104 a-104 g and base module 101 may beconnected to a wireless access point, internet, Bluetooth, etc., to bemodified, programmed, controlled, repaired, replaced, and/or upgradedwith another base module 101 having the same or newer software,hardware, firmware, storage, I/O, etc. The Smart Panels 104 a-104 g andbase module 101 may be made of any combination of suitable metal,copper, rhodium, tin, silver, gold, iron, stainless steel, nylon,fiberglass, ceramic, piezo-ceramic, carbon, polycarbonate, plastic,glass, alloy, composite, Teflon, or fiber, etc.

In some exemplary embodiments, the Smart Panel 104 a-104 g may beremovable, fixed to, or preinstalled within a wall box 120, 130. Thebase module 101 and/or wall box 120 may connect to Smart Panels 104a-104 g to provide wireless or wired communication, electrical powerdelivery, or signal transmission. As described above, the Smart Panel104 a-104 g, one or more modules 108, wall box 120, 130, and base module101 may serve as an all in one solution as shown in FIGS. 1C-1D. SmartPanels 104 a-104 g may include one or more modules 108 attached to,positioned on, or embedded within the housing of the Smart Panels 104a-104 g. Thus, in the present disclosure, the terms Smart Panel 104a-104 g (204, 350, etc.,) and modules 108 (208, etc.,) may be usedinterchangeably. In some exemplary embodiments, Smart Panels 104 a-104 gand base module 101 may be a single part or attachment, for example, asingle switch box, combo box, outlet or receptacle. Moreover, SmartPanels 104 a-104 g may provide various functions such as a user controlinterface to manually control electronic devices 541, a USB data orpower connection port, a wireless charging station, control of smartdevices in a home or building, control of electronic devices in one ormore rooms, etc.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of implementing the smartpanel device 220 comprising a smart panel 204, one or more modules 208,base module 201, and wall box 230 of the present disclosure with someexemplary electronic devices 260, for example, smart light bulb 270 a,smart thermostat 270 b, virtual assistant 270 c, smoke detector 270 d,other light switches 270 e (or other smart panel devices 220), lightdisplays 270 f, ceiling fan controllers 270 g, smart doorbells 270 h,one or more smart locks 270 i, and biometric lock 270 j, smartprojectors/displays 270 k, and the like. In the present disclosure,reference to Smart Panel device 220 need not be limited to any oneparticular component, and may refer to one or more of a smart panel 204,one or more modules 208, base module 201, and wall box 230.

The Smart Panel 204 includes a housing 207 that houses one or moremodules 208, one or more cameras, speakers, and microphones,temperature, climate, and motion sensors, hardware, software, firmware,etc. In some exemplary embodiments, the Smart Panel 204 may include acontroller 354 for wirelessly communicating with base module 201. Asdescribed above, the components (e.g. interface, hardware, sensors,software, firmware, etc.) need not be limited to the Smart Panel 204 andthe base module 201, and may be distributed amongst the components ofthe Smart Panel device 220, for example, the wall box 230 or one or moremodules 208 may include hardware, software, interface, etc., to performall necessary functions of the Smart Panel device 220 or base module 201of the present invention. While for ease of use and simplicity, and notby way of limitation, the components may be incorporated in the wall box230 or base module 201.

The housing 207 and/or module 208 may include sensor components 354, amechanical push button or switch, a display (not shown), and a touchsensitive (e.g. resistive, capacitive, optical, surface acoustic wave(SAW), ultrasonic, etc.,) touchpad for detecting fingerprints, fingerpresses, finger taps, or finger swipes. The one or more modules 208 maybe used for operating the various electronic devices 260, and the like.The Smart Panel device 220 may operate, for example, electronic devices260 based on detected motion, sound (e.g. voice signature), video (e.g.facial recognition), fingerprints, finger presses, finger taps, orfinger swipes, or any combination thereof.

The housing 207 or base module 201 may include components to facilitategeofencing (e.g. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth) for authenticating and automatingthe process of unlocking a smart lock 270 i, for example, when theuser's wireless device 531 is within a proximity to a door. Moreover,geofencing by the Smart Panel device 220 may be used to communicate toelectronic devices 260 to turn on, for example, smart lights 270 a, locksmart lock 270 i, or play music through built-in speakers or other audiodevices or speakers (e.g. virtual assistant 270 c). In some exemplaryembodiments, these actions may be performed manually (e.g. toggling amechanical button/switch and/or pressing on a touch sensitive touchpad)or triggered by various sensors; motion sensors 357, environment sensors356, cameras 358, as well as other sensors 359 of the Smart Panel device220.

The housing 207 and/or modules 208 may include a projector (e.g. dotmatrix projector) that the user may configure to project onto the flooror installation wall a picture, a personalized greeting, a video, deviceinformation, navigation screens, menus, etc. The projector may also beused to project a keypad or input interface onto the installation wallabove or below the Smart Panel device 220 for guests or individuals toenter input, a code, settings, etc., and to operate electronic devices260. Additional sensors 228 (e.g. fingerprint or motion sensor, facialrecognition cameras/sensors) and may be attached to the housing 207 todetect faces as well as finger presses over the projected keypad todetect the individual, the code entered, and fingerprints of a fingerpressed on the sensor. The sensors 228 may extend up the edge of thehousing 207 or be centered on housing 207 (e.g. the front face or topface of the housing). In some exemplary embodiments, the projector maybe placed together with or combined with the sensor 228 so that a usercan either using their fingerprint or enter a code through the keypadprojection to operate an electronic device 260.

Similarly, the base module 201 includes a housing 202 that may house oneor more sensor components (e.g. motion, sound, infrared, Bluetooth,Wi-Fi, etc.,) to collect user(s) or individual(s) presence or activitywithin a building as further described in FIG. 3. Moreover, the basemodule 201 may include other sensors for measuring insulation propertiessuch as temperature, humidity, as well as electric/power usage, etc.

In some exemplary embodiments, the user accesses the Smart Panel device220 directly to configure the base module 201, one or more modules 208,or the Smart Panel 204 using a Human to Machine Interface (HMI), forexample, through firmware or software installed on the Smart Paneldevice 220 (i.e. base module 201, modules 208, or Smart Panel 204). Forexample, the Smart Panel device 220 or its components may be directlyconfigured through software or application installed on a computingdevice (e.g. remote computing device 531) or through a web interface, orthrough one or more servers 511 communicably coupled to the Smart Paneldevice 220.

As an exemplary embodiment, the Smart Panel device 220 may collect datafrom various environmental activities in one or more rooms around abuilding and communicate the collected data to the base module 201. Oneor more Smart Panel devices 200 may be connected to one another forminga network, wherein collected information one or more rooms may be sharedand distributed to other Smart Panel devices 200 or other remotecomputing devices 531 in a building. The base module 201 may thenprocess the collected data and determine whether a user should be sent anotification, a video, an audio, a prompt to continue or ceasemonitoring specific activity, live view access, recorded video access,etc.

The Smart Panel device 220 and/or base module 201 may be communicablycoupled to, for example and not limited to, one or more wireless userdevices 280 through a router 200, one or more servers 290, or apeer-to-peer (P2P) connection. The Smart Panel device 220 and basemodule 201 may further be communicably coupled to one or more electronicdevices 260 in a building through a hardwired or wireless networkconnection (e.g. through router 200).

The Smart Panel device 220 and/or base module 201 may each include acommunication module 313 and/or wireless controller 315 to communicablycouple an electronic device 541, electronic device 260, or the like, toa wired or wireless network, P2P network, etc.

The Smart Panel device 220 and/or base module 201 may send notificationsor send user authorization through a server 511, however, data, audioand/or video may be sent by the base module 201 or Smart Panel device220 through a peer-to-peer (P2P) network. The base module 201 or SmartPanel device 220 may connect directly to the user's remote computingdevice 531 or indirectly through a P2P coordinator using a wirelessintermediate scheme such as radio frequency (RF), microwave, and thelike. Those skilled in the art will recognize the base module 201 orSmart Panel device 220 may indirectly connect to the remote computingdevice 531 through multiple relay nodes such as access points, basestations, hubs, bridges, routers or other communication devices, notshown.

If a user acknowledges the event, the HMI may bring up the Smart Paneldevice 220 system application. The application may then connect directlyto the base module 201 and/or Smart Panel device 220 to download(stream) the data, audio and/or video, to open 1-way or 2-waycommunication. The user may also be allowed to operate and electronicdevice 260 (e.g. open smart lock 270 i) by giving control commands (e.g.lock/unlock or open/close) to the smart lock 270 i through, for example,the Smart Panel device 220 HMI application. A separate securedconnection (SSL/TSL over IP) may be established between the HMIapplication and the Smart Panel device 220 or base module 201.

In some exemplary embodiments, the Smart Panel device 220 may take audiocommands from a user as input (e.g. through voice assistant softwareinstalled on base module 201 or module 208) for operating the one ormore modules 208, base module 201, or electronic device 260. In someexemplary embodiments, the Smart Panel device 220 may take input fromuser finger gestures or fingerprint to operate the one or more modules208, base module 201, or electronic device 260. In some exemplaryembodiments, Smart Panel device 220 may learn from user behavior,access, and programming to operate one or more modules 208, base module201, or electronic device 260 based on location or presence of one ormore users.

FIG. 3 illustrates conceptually an exemplary Smart Panel device 350 withwhich some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may beimplemented. The base module 301 may be any sort of electronic devicethat transmits signals over a network, such as electronic devicesembedded in smart appliances and other smart systems. The base module301 may include various types of computer readable media (e.g., anon-transitory computer-readable medium) and interfaces for variousother types of computer readable media. The Smart Panel device 350includes one or more modules 208 as shown in FIGS. 1-2, each of the oneor more modules 208 may contain one, none, some, or all the componentsof Smart Panel 350 or base module 301 as described below and in thepresent disclosure.

The base module 301 includes a processor 302 and memory/storage 303. Theprocessor 302 may retrieve and execute instructions 304 and/or data 305from memory/storage 303 to perform the processes of the presentdisclosure. Processor 302 may be a single processor, a multi-coreprocessor, or multiple processors in different implementations.Referring to FIGS. 4-5, instructions and data for operating base module301 may be stored on, transmitted from, or received by anycomputer-readable storage medium (e.g., memory/storage 512 of server511) storing data (e.g., data 305) that is accessible to a processor(e.g., the processor of server 511) during modes of operation of thebase module 301. The base module 301 may access and execute instructions304 and/or data 305 stored on any remote computing device 531. The data305 may be a method instruction as depicted in FIG. 4. The methodinstructions are executable by processor 302, one or more servers 511,one or more electronic devices 541, one or more remote computing devices531, or any combination thereof, where the instructions include steps onconfiguring and operating the Smart Panel device 350 and/or base module301 and communication between user(s) and other remote, local, and/orwireless electronic devices.

The memory/storage 303 may include a dynamic random-access memory (DRAM)and/or a read-only memory (ROM). Memory/storage 303 may provide atemporary location to store data 305 and instructions 304 retrieved andprocessed by processor 302. Memory/storage 303 may include anon-volatile read-and-write memory that stores data 305 and instructions304, even when Wi-Fi/Internet is off, that may be retrieved andprocessed by processor 302. For example, memory/storage 303 may includemagnetic, solid state and/or optical media, memory/storage 303 may be asingle or multiple memory units as necessary. The memory/storage 303stores all collected visual, audio, textual, voice, motion, heat,proximity, etc. information provided directly from the Smart Paneldevice 350, or indirectly through a wireless connection to anotherelectronic device(s), sensor(s), or sensor module(s) (e.g. localelectronic devices 541).

Base module 301 couples to a network through a network interface 313. Insome aspects, network interface 313 is a machine-interface. In thismanner, the base module 301 may be a part of a network of computers, alocal area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), or an Intranet, ora network of networks, for example, the Internet. A wireless controller315 may be coupled to the processor 302. The wireless controller 315 maybe further coupled to an antenna 380. The network module 311 may beintegrated as system-in-package or system-on-chip device and/orcollectively defined as having the network interface 313 and wirelesscontroller 315. Network interface 313 and wireless controller 315integrated into the network module 311 and being coupled to an antenna380. Any or all components of base module 301 may be used in conjunctionwith the subject disclosure. The network interface 313 may includecellular interfaces, WiFi™ interfaces, Infrared interfaces RFIDinterfaces, ZigBee interfaces, Bluetooth interfaces, Ethernetinterfaces, coaxial interfaces, optical interfaces, or generally anycommunication interface that may be used for device communication.

The Base module 301 and/or Smart Panel device 350 may use Narrow BandIoT (NB-IoT), Mobile IoT (MIoT), 3rd Generation Partnership Project(3GPP), enhanced Machine-Type Communication (eMTC), Extended CoverageGSM Internet of Things (EC-GSM-IoT) or other similar Low Power Wide AreaNetwork (LPWAN) radio technology to enable a wide range of devices andservices to be connected using cellular telecommunications bands.

The base module 301 is powered through a power supply 340. The powersupply 340 may include disposable and/or rechargeable batteries (e.g.2800 mAh rechargeable Li-Polymer battery), existing electrical wiring110, a power supply adapter, or any combination thereof. The powersupply 340 of base module 301 may also include an electrical generator,solar panels/cells or any renewable/alternative power supply source(e.g. wind turbine) as a primary or auxiliary source of power. Moreover,a converter/regulator 341; transformer or voltage regulator, AC to DC orDC to DC power converter, or frequency converter may be used separately(electrically coupled to the base module 301) or integrated within thebase module 301 to provide adequate input power to the base module 301(e.g. 12 VDC), Smart Panel 204, and one or more modules 208.

A Smart Panel device 350 may be communicably coupled to the base module301. The Smart Panel device 350 may be coupled to base module 301,formed on base module 301, or remotely connected to base module 301. TheSmart Panel device 350 may include and control various sensor components355 for sensing environmental activity (e.g. temperature, sound, motion,and location of individuals, and their respective changes over time)within a proximity of a building. Sensor components 355 may monitorenvironmental conditions (e.g. humidity, temperature, rainfall) by usingone or more environmental sensors 356, and individual activity by usingone or more motion sensors 357, other sensors 359, and camera 358 andmicrophone 352.

A combination of sensor components 355 may be implemented to providecomprehensive monitoring or improved accuracy in monitoringenvironmental activity. Moreover, individual sensor components fromSmart Panel device 350 may be separately coupled to base module 301formed on base module 301, or remotely connected to base module 301. Insome exemplary embodiments, some sensor components 355 may be groupedtogether to form a second or additional sensor modules. In certainembodiments, some sensor components 355 of Smart Panel device 350 (e.g.other sensors 359 or speaker 351 and microphone 352) may instead beformed on the base module 301. Further, in some exemplary embodiments,some sensor components 355 of Smart Panel device 350, for example, other(e.g. power) sensors 359 for monitoring power consumption may also beformed on the base module 301 to provide additional or supplementalmonitoring.

Environmental sensors 356 may detect and collect information aboutenvironmental conditions around one or more buildings. Environmentalsensors 356 may include, for example, temperature sensor, ambient lightsensor, humidity sensor, barometer sensor, air quality sensor (e.g. fordetecting allergens, gas, pollution, pollen, etc . . . ), infraredsensor, CO₂ sensor, CO sensor, piezoelectric sensor, airflow or airspeedsensor, and the like. The environmental conditions collected byenvironmental sensors 356 may be used by the processor 302 of the basemodule 301 in determining whether to notify a user (e.g. by wirelessuser device 532) or operate the Smart Panel device 350. Environmentalsensors 356 may include, for example, a motion sensor, camera, and othersensors (e.g. proximity sensor, occupancy sensor, ambient light sensor).A microphone 352 may also be used to detect features or verify theopening or closing of entry door, or presence of individuals, or anytype of environmental activity around a building.

The Smart Panel device 350 and/or base module 301 may store collectedinformation from sensors 355, speaker 351, microphone 352, thermostat441, remote computing devices 431, and server 411 in a database. Thedatabase may be stored on the storage 502 of the Smart Panel device 501,memory 303, on the storage 512 of a server 411, or on an application ona remote computing device 531. The space and individual information inthe database is updated with the individual and space informationacquired by the one or more sensors of a surrounding environment. A useror individual may be prompted to update or approve updating of thedatabase with additional space and individual information acquired bythe one or more sensors. The user or individual may further store userpreferences in the database, the user preferences with specificinstructions or actions based on collected space or individualinformation, scheduling, time of day, temperature, humidity, etc.

The space and individual information acquired by the one or more sensorsis compared with user preferences stored in the database, the databasemay then be used by the Smart Panel device 501 to determine whether toconnect, power, or operate various electronic devices, for example,controlling existing light switches, ceiling fan controls, ceilingfixtures, light fixture controls, dimmers, sound, or motion sensorunits, and conventional light switch receptacles, IoT devices, smarthome devices, thermostats, cameras, speakers, an intercom, interconnectports (e.g. audio, video, power, or data cabling/interface/ports, forexample, RJ45, CAT 5, 5e, 6, 6a, 7, HDMI, VGA, Display Port, USB, DVI,computer bus interface, speaker binding posts, etc.,) for connectingand/or power various electronic devices, virtual assistants (e.g. avoice operable AI device), system on a chip (SOC), Wi-Fi boosters orextenders, a touch interface control panel for controlling various otherelectronic devices, etc.

The Smart Panel device 350 (or one or more modules 208) may include adisplay 359 b, for example and not limited to, a resistive touch displayor capacitive touch display, a projector display, or other touch orpressure sensitive surface for receiving user input, etc. In someexemplary embodiments, other forms of interaction with The Smart Paneldevice 220, may be by user inputted commands through module 208 (e.g.display), microphone 352, wireless user device 280, one or more localelectronic devices 260, remote computing devices 531, server 511, or anycombination thereof.

The Smart Panel device 350 may include a controller 354 for controllingthe sensors and processing data collected by the sensors. Controller 354may include a processor, memory/storage device (storing sensorinstructions, settings, etc.), and a network module wireless chip forcommunicating with base module 301. Controller 354 may sendmeasured/detected environmental conditions and features to the processor302 for further processing. In some exemplary embodiments, the SmartPanel device 350 may exclude the controller 354 and function as a sensoronly device that transfers collected environmental activity around abuilding to the base module 301.

In some exemplary embodiments, the Smart Panel device 350 includescontroller 354 to share or divide processing tasks or priorities ofdata, video, audio, or environmental sensor data with the base module301. For example, the controller 354 may process certain motion (e.g.individuals, homeowners, pets or animals, etc.) or sounds (e.g. windowor door closing or opening, window breaking) and sound an alarm, requestverbal input from a user, or trigger an action instead of (or prior to)sending to base module 301 for further processing. Similarly, the basemodule 301 may process environmental activity prior to sending to aserver 511 for further processing if necessary.

The Smart Panel device 350 may be powered by a power supply 390. Thepower from the power supply 390 may be provided by disposable and/orrechargeable batteries (e.g. 2800 mAh rechargeable Li-Polymer battery),existing in building electrical wiring, a power supply adapter, or anycombination thereof. The Smart Panel device 220 may also be powered bysolar panels/cells or any renewable/alternative power supply source(e.g. wind turbine) as a primary or auxiliary source of power.Disposable batteries or rechargeable batteries, for example, nickelcadmium (NiCd), lithium (Li), AA, AAA, and/or rechargeable capacitors,for example, supercapacitors (SC) or ultracapacitors. The power supply390 may supply power to Smart Panel device 350 by, for example, a poweradapter for connecting to an outlet, a solar panels/cell, or any otherrenewable/alternative power supply source. The Smart Panel device 350may use multiple battery types, multiple power sources, etc., forexample, using a coin cell battery to operate some sensor components orto provide auxiliary power to power and operate one or more modules 208and/or one or more electronic devices 260 during brown outs, black outs,or other power outages. The one or more modules 208 of the Smart Paneldevice 220 may be plug-in charging ports, wireless charging ports, orre-chargeable battery charging ports for recharging, for example,Li/NiCd batteries.

In addition to being connected to existing electrical wiring of abuilding, the Smart Panel device 350 may include a power generator 391and power harvester 392 as a power source. The power generator 391 mayinclude rechargeable batteries, for example, nickel cadmium (NiCd),lithium (Li), AA, AAA, and/or rechargeable capacitors, for example,supercapacitors (SC) or ultracapacitors. The power generator 391 maycomprise of multiple battery types, for example, using a coin cellbattery to operate some sensor components or to provide auxiliary power,while using existing wiring to provide power for the Smart Panel device350. Moreover, the power supply 390 may include a power harvester 392such as wind turbines/electric generator or solar cells/panels forcharging rechargeable batteries or capacitors to prolong primary and/orauxiliary power to supply power and operate one or more modules 208 orsupply power to one or more electronic devices 260 during brown outs,black outs, or other power outages.

The Smart Panel device 350 may include a speaker 351 and microphone 352for communicating with an individual or receiving control commands froman individual positioned within a vicinity of the base module 301. Thespeaker 351 and microphone 352 may be coupled to a CODEC 353. Thecoder/decoder (CODEC) 353 may also be coupled to the processor 302through a controller 354. The processor 302 may provide audioinformation captured from the microphone 352 to any electronic device(e.g. server 511 or wireless user device 532) that may facilitatecommunication with an individual positioned within a vicinity of thebase module 301 through the speaker 351.

In an exemplary embodiment, the base module 301 and/or Smart Paneldevice 350 comprises one or more motion sensors 357 for detecting motioninformation. For example, motion sensor 357 may detect moving objectsand/or pedestrians. In some exemplary embodiments, the one or moresensors (e.g. motion sensor 357, camera 358, etc.) may be positionedalong one or more edges of base module 301, for example, one or more ofthe four edges of the base module 101 as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1C. Themotion sensor 357 may be a passive infrared motion detector. Infraredmotion sensors are also known as PIR (passive infrared) motion sensorsor simply PIR sensors. Such detectors have about a 120° arc and about a50-foot range detection zone. In the case where an increased field ofview of motion detection or more accurate motion detection is required,two or more motion detectors may be used.

Suitable alternate motion detectors may also be used, which asultrasonic, optical, microwave, or video motion detectors. Additionalalternative types of motion detectors may also be used to senseintrusion including laser scanning or frequency sensitive detectors,commonly referred to as “glass breaks”. Motion sensor 357 may includeimage sensors having any type of low light level imaging sensors usedfor surveillance and unmanned monitoring in daylight to completedarkness, for example, low-light complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor(CMOS) or charge-coupled device (CCD) image sensors.

The motion sensor 357 may also be complemented with other devices to aidin detecting motion such as, for example, photocell sensors,cadmium-sulfide (CdS) cells, light-dependent resistors (LDR), andphotoresistors. In addition to motion sensors, the photo cell sensorsmay be used to determine if there something in front of a sensor or aseries of sensors that block light. The sensitivity of the motion sensorand photocell may be adjusted through, for example, an application on anelectronic device (e.g. smart device 534 or laptop 531). Also, a serveror application may decide if the situation or application warrants nightuse or twenty-four-hour operation of motion detection through alternatemeans such as photocell sensors. If night operation is selected, thenthe server or application will process detected photocell information todetermine if motion was detected.

The Smart Panel device 350 may include any number of other or additionaldetectors or sensors, for example, other sensors 359. Examples of othersensors 359 that may be used include, by way of illustration only andnot by way of limitation, temperature sensors, video cameras, audiorecorders, motion sensors, ambient light sensors, light sensors,humidity sensors, smoke detectors, and other sensors, such as forexample, an Electric Field Proximity Sensing (EFPS) sensor to determinewhether a person or object is nearby that is behind a wall.

The Smart Panel device 350 may include a camera 358 for capturing visualinformation such as video and still images of the surroundingenvironment. The camera 358 may be coupled to a controller 354 forcontrolling the camera to capture visual information that may be sent tothe processor 302. The controller 354 may be coupled to the processor302 for processing visual information. The processor 302 may providevisual information captured from the camera 358 to any electronic device(e.g. server 511 or remote computing device 531) which may facilitateinteraction or communication with a person or an object positionedwithin a vicinity of the base module 301. The camera 358 may be anyoptical instrument for recording or capturing images that may be storedlocally, transmitted to another location, or both. The images may bestill photographs, or sequences of images forming videos or movies. Thecamera 358 may be any type of camera, for example, high-end professionalcamera type, digital camera, panoramic camera, fish-eye lens typecamera, multi-lens type camera, VR camera, etc.

The Smart Panel device 350 and/or base module 301 may provide anexternal audio feedback, for example, playing a greeting, audio message,or ringing a doorbell chime through the speaker 351 of the Smart Paneldevice 350. Moreover, the Smart Panel device 350 and/or base module 301may provide an internal audio feedback, for example, ringing a digitalor mechanical chime or greeting or message. The Smart Panel device 350and/or base module 301 may communicate with one or more local electronicdevices 541, remote computing devices 531, and servers 511 to provideone or more users with remote audio and/or visual feedback.

The base module 301 may include a plurality of terminals 110 andconfigured to connect to a plurality of electrical or communication(audio/video/data) wiring such that it may operate with 2-way, 3-way,4-way switches as well as coupling to always-on devices. For example, atop module 104 b configured as a switchable device (e.g. light switch),and the bottom module 104 c configure as an always on device (e.g.thermostat). Similarly, the module 104 a may be partitioned so that thetop portion is a switch, middle portion is a camera/speaker/microphone,and the bottom portion is a sensor or thermostat. Thus, a contractor,electrician, or installer may run wiring or configure the Smart Paneldevice 350 and/or base module 301 for whatever switch, light fixture,ceiling fan, interface (Cat-5e/HDMI/USB), or module for operatinganother electronic device.

A Smart Panel device 350 may be communicably coupled to the base module301. The Smart Panel device 350 may be coupled to base module 301,integrated with or formed on base module 301, or remotely connected toBase module 301. The Smart Panel device 350 may include and controlvarious sensor components for sensing environmental conditions (e.g.temperature) and environmental features (e.g. location of furniture andindividuals). Sensor components may monitor environmental conditions byusing one or more environment sensors 356, and environmental features byusing one or more condition sensors 355 (e.g. motion sensor 357, camera358). A combination of sensor components may be implemented to providecomprehensive monitoring or improved accuracy in monitoringenvironmental features and conditions. Moreover, individual sensorcomponents from Smart Panel device 350 may be separately coupled to basemodule 301, formed on base module 301, or remotely connected to basemodule 301. In some embodiments, some sensor components may be groupedtogether to form a second or additional sensor modules. In certainembodiments, some sensor components of Smart Panel device 350 (e.g.camera 358) may instead be formed on the base module 301. Further, insome embodiments, some sensor components of Smart Panel device 350 (e.g.camera 358) may also be formed on the base module 301 to provideadditional or supplemental monitoring.

Condition sensors 355 may detect and collect information aboutenvironmental conditions in a subspace, space, building or structure.Condition sensors 355 may include, for example, temperature sensor,ambient light sensor, humidity sensor, barometer sensor, air qualitysensor (e.g. for detecting allergens, gas, pollution, pollen, etc . . .), infrared sensor, CO₂ sensor, CO sensor, piezoelectric sensor, airflowor airspeed sensor to determine air speed through HVAC system ductingand base module 301. The airflow or airspeed sensor may be used by theprocessor 302 of the base module 301 to determine how to controlelectronic device 541 (e.g. thermostat or smart register) to distributeairflow in a space.

Feature sensors 355 may detect and collect information aboutenvironmental features in a subspace, space, building or structure.Feature sensors 355 may include, for example, a motion sensor 357,camera 358, and other sensors 359 (e.g. proximity sensor, occupancysensor, ambient light sensor). Microphone 352 may also be used to detectfeatures or verify the opening or closing of doors or windows in asubspace, space, building or structure.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary method of operating a smart paneldevice. These exemplary methods are provided by way of example, as thereare a variety of ways to carry out these methods. Each block shown inFIG. 4 represents one or more processes, methods or subroutines, carriedout in the exemplary method. FIGS. 1-3, and FIG. 5 show exemplaryembodiments of carrying out the methods of FIG. 4 for collecting andprocessing information, for illustration purposes only, FIG. 2 may beused to illustrate the processes of the exemplary method. The exemplarymethod may begin at block 400.

Referring to FIG. 4, the exemplary method of using the smart paneldevice 220 (e.g. operation using environmental conditions) begins atblock 400, followed by block 403 of attaching one or more Smart paneldevices 220 to a wall switch (e.g. FIG. 1B) in a space, building, orstructure. In some exemplary embodiments, the smart panel device 220 maybe prepackaged (e.g. FIG. 1D) to be nailed onto the wall studs. EachSmart panel device 220 may be easily detachable from the window frame,and may include a detachable cover.

In block 405, the process continues with connecting one or more Smartpanel devices 220 to a local wireless network through, for example, thenetwork module 311 of the Smart panel device 220. The Smart panel device220 may connect to a network of computers or remote computing devices531, a local area network (IAN), a wide area network (WAN), or anIntranet, or a network of networks, for example, the Internet.

In block 407, the process continues with connecting one or moreelectronic devices to the one or more Smart panel devices 220 to providethe processor 302 with, for example, control of electronic devices,smart home devices, detected interior and/or exterior environmentalconditions, etc. The one or more sensors of the smart panel module 350may also be used to construct interior and/or exterior environmentalconditions. The one or more sensors may be directly attached to, ordetachably coupled to, the one or more smart panel modules 350 or smartpanels 350. The one or more sensors may of each Smart panel device 220may be connected to form an array of detected environmental information(e.g. features and conditions) that may be provided to the processor302.

In block 409, the Smart panel device 220 is connected to a server 511through the local network connection. The processor 302 may use thenetwork module 311 to establish and save a single connection or multiplemeans of connecting to the server 511 (e.g. using Wi-Fi, cellularconnection, or by using any IEEE 802.11 standard). Moreover, a remotecomputing device 531 (e.g. smart phone, smart device, or portabledevice) may facilitate connection of the Smart panel device 220 to aserver 511.

In block 411, one or more Smart panel devices 220 are connected to oneor more environmental sensors. In some exemplary embodiments,environmental sensors (for collecting environmental features and/orconditions) may be provided by one or more other Smart panel devices220, one or more modules 208, or one or more electronic devices 260 totransmit to a server 511 or smart panel device 501 through the localnetwork connection. The processor 302 may use the network module 411 toestablish and save a single connection or multiple means of connectingto the environmental sensors (e.g. using Wi-Fi, cellular connection, orby using any IEEE 802.11 standard). Moreover, a remote computing device531 (e.g. smart phone, smart device, or portable device) may facilitateconnection of the Smart panel device 220 to other environmental sensors.The Smart panel device 220 may communicate with environmental sensors todetermine whether to turn on or off one or more lights, fans, smart homedevices, modules 208, Smart panel devices 220, electronic devices 260,etc., through a single action (e.g. user initiated action), set ofactions (e.g. an algorithm or program), or a list or blend of actionsbased one or more environmental conditions, a proximity of a remotecomputing device 531 or individual, a time of day, visual, motion, oraudio information, a schedule, user(s) preferences, and the state of theSmart panel device 220, as described in the present disclosure.

In block 413, the process continues by transmitting, using the one ormore sensors of the sensor module 350, at least one detected interiorand/or exterior environmental condition of the space, building, orstructure to the processor 302, server 511, or remote computing device531. The sensors work together to detect, monitor, and transmitenvironmental conditions (e.g. sensors 355, 357, and 359 to detect andmonitor interior and/or exterior climate).

In block 414, the at least one detected environmental condition isstored or updated in one or more databases. One or more databases may beused or created to store a category (e.g. time, room size, room name,season, power usage, peak usage times, inside and outside weather, userpreferences, etc.) of detected environmental features and conditions,events, triggers, etc. The database store user behavior, userpreferences, scheduling, and other settings based on user preferences.The databases may be stored on a storage/memory device 502 of the one ormore Smart panel devices 220, or a storage device 512 of the server 511.

In block 415, the processor 302 or server 511 compares the one or moreinterior and/or exterior environmental conditions of the space,building, or structure with stored environmental conditions in astorage/memory device 502 of the one or more Smart panel devices 220, ora storage device 512 of the server 511.

In block 417, the process continues with the processor 302 operating oneor more other Smart panel devices 220, one or more modules 208, or oneor more electronic devices 260. Then, in block 419, the processor 302and/or server 511 notify the remote computing device 531 (e.g. user)and/or request further action from the remote computing device 531.

In block 421, the one or more other Smart panel devices 220 communicateto another one or more other Smart panel devices 220, one or moremodules 208, or one or more electronic devices 260 (e.g. to turn on alight, fan, virtual assistant, camera, etc.).

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of Smart Panel system 501(Smart Panel 204, one or more modules 208 and base module 201, with orwithout wall box 230) (hereafter “Panel system 501”). The Panel system501 may comprise of Smart Panel 350, base module 301, and storage 502.In the following exemplary embodiments, the description of the Panelsystem 501 may refer to one of the devices, for example, the Smart Panel350 notifying the user of an environmental activity or the base module301 notifying the user of an environmental activity. Alternatively, thePanel system 501 may refer to the group of devices working together, forexample, the Smart Panel 350 working together with notifying the basemodule 301 to notify the user of an environmental activity.

In some exemplary embodiments, the Panel system 501 may be linkedthrough Wi-Fi, LAN, WAN, Bluetooth, two-way pager, cellular connection,etc., to a transmitter (e.g. more wireless user devices 280, or remotecomputing device 531). The Panel system 501 may learn user habits,patterns, and behavior by communicating with one or more localelectronic devices 541, remote computing devices 531, and servers 511through, for example, a wireless router 521.

The Panel system 501 may comprise of wirelessly communicating with oneor more local electronic devices 541, remote computing devices 531, andservers 511 through, for example, a wireless router 521. The localelectronic devices 541 may include, for example, IP cameras, smartoutlets, smart switches, smart lightbulbs, smart locks, smartthermostats, video game consoles and smart TVs, smart blinds, garagedoor monitoring and controlling devices, smart refrigerators, smartwasher/dryer, smart devices powered on solar energy, etc. and the like.The Panel system 501 may also connect to laptops 533, portable devices534, wireless user device 532, and server 511 and/or server storage 512.

The Panel system 501 may collect, store, and process user habits,patterns, and behavior to predict and/or learn appropriate actions basedon user interactions with the Panel system 501, electronic devices 541,remote computing devices 531, and servers 511. For example, the Panelsystem 501 may collect and process user interactions with, for example,the Panel system 501, server 511, transmitter (e.g. wireless user device280) status and location, or user(s) interaction with electronic devices541, or any combination of the above.

The Panel system 501 may communicate user interactions, habits,patterns, and behavior to a server 511, electronic devices 541, remotecomputing devices 531, or the like for further processing. For example,base module 301 may activate or operate Smart Panel 350 at certain timesbased on scheduling or user interaction to collect and process userinteractions, habits, patterns, and behavior.

Moreover, user interactions may be cataloged or stored in one or moredatabases (e.g. Panel system storage 502, or server storage 512, etc.,)for mapping out user habits, patterns, and behavior to predict and/orlearn appropriate actions and responses that may be taken by the Panelsystem 501, server 511, and/or communicated by the Panel system 501 orserver 511 to one or more local electronic devices 541, or remotecomputing devices 531 for taking one or more appropriate actions.

For example, the Panel system 501 may notify a user of the location ofthe transmitter when a detected user activity conflicts with the statusor location of the transmitter or with the user pattern or habit. Theuser activity may be collected by the Panel system 501 and/or one ormore local electronic devices 541, or remote computing devices 531. Forexample, the Panel system 501 may notify a user by playing an audiomessage when the user leaves through the entry door forgetting to taketheir mobile phone with them in the morning.

In some exemplary embodiments, the Panel system 501 may include one ormore communication modules for communicating wirelessly (e.g. Bluetooth,Wi-Fi, etc.,) with the base module 301, and/or with one or more remotecomputing devices 531, servers 511, local electronic devices 541, or anyother electronic device mentioned above, to further improve efficiencyin the Panel system 501.

Similarly, the base module 301 of the Panel system 501 may include oneor more communication modules for communicating wirelessly (e.g.Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.,) with one or more module 208 or Panel systems501, and/or with one or more remote computing devices 531, servers 511,local electronic devices 541, or any other electronic device mentionedabove.

The one or more communications modules may comprise of, for example, abasic low power communications module to communicate with the SmartPanel 350 or base module 301, and more robust or higher powercommunications module to communicate with other electronic devices,connect to the internet, or stream or distribute audio, visual, ormotion information through a P2P or direct connection to otherelectronic devices. The data/audio/video sent by the Smart Panel 350 tothe base module 301 may be sent as an uncompressed data/audio/videofile, the base module 301 may then compress the audio/video file andsend to a server 511.

The Panel system 501 may include a tamper-proof mechanism that mayactivate the Panel system 501 camera to record video and stream to oneor more remote computing devices 531, servers 511, or local electronicdevices 541 when the housing 207 or parts of the housing 207 (e.g.battery cover) is tampered with or damaged, and/or when entry door orwindows are broken (e.g. opening of entry door or glass break sounddetection).

Moreover, the Panel system 501 may include a night LED that may operatebased on the time in the time zone of installation to provide betterlighting conditions for collecting video at night and/or to provide aconvenient night light function in the entryway to the building for thevisitor or owner.

In some exemplary embodiments, the Smart Panel 350 or base module 301may temporarily store data/video/audio in a storage module or Panelsystem storage 502 when the access point (e.g. router) loses internetconnection, or when the Panel system 501 loses network connectivity.

Furthermore, in some exemplary embodiments, the Panel system 501 may bein a normally dormant state (e.g. ECO Mode, Sleep Mode, etc.,). Forexample, the Smart Panel 350 and/or base module 301 may be off orsubstantially off (e.g. low power mode) until motion, sound, or a fingerpress triggers the Panel system 501 to activate. Moreover, in someexemplary embodiments, housing 202 or housing 207 may include aresistive or capacitive touch sensor and fingerprint sensor formed on oroutside of one or more modules 208 as a manual push button andfingerprint reader.

Once activated the Panel system 501 may attempt to use facialrecognition or voice recognition to initiate an and audio or videointercom session. The Panel system 501 will collect the individualconversation or activity an entry door and send the communication as alive audio or video stream or recorded video clip or audio clip to oneor more servers 511, remote computing devices 531, or local electronicdevices 541, or any combination thereof. The communication will initiatea video or audio teleconference with a user, using the microphone 352,camera 358, and speaker 351. The video or audio teleconference may beterminated when the individual in front of the entry door leaves, orwhen the user terminates video or audio teleconference through, forexample, an interaction with wireless user device 280 (e.g. fingerpress, eye motion, or other control command).

The Panel system 501 may be configured to wirelessly communicate andcooperate with local electronic devices 541 in real-time based oncollected environmental activity or stored visual, motion, audio, andenvironmental information in Panel system storage 502 or server storage512. The processor 302, controller 354, and/or server 511 may operatethe Smart Panel 350 to play a digital or analog chime, a greeting, orcollect environmental activity (e.g. video, audio, temperature, etc.,)to send to a computing device (e.g. base module 301, local electronicdevices 541, remote computing devices 531, server 511, etc.,) based ontriggered environmental activity as collected by the Smart Panel 350.The user may further define zones of activity for collecting informationor triggering notifications for users, for example, a user may select ordefine areas or regions on an image or live video of the environment ascollected by camera 358.

Other local electronic devices 541 (e.g. security camera, thermostat,smoke detector, smart lock, smart TV, etc.,) may cooperate with orsupplement Smart Panel 350 sensors to provide comprehensive informationof environmental activity around the building, or one or more zonesaround the building. In some exemplary embodiments, the security camera541 may add additional monitoring (data, audio, or video) information toallow one or more Panel systems 501 to collect, filter out, or learn atenant's activity around the building. In some exemplary embodiments,the Panel system 501 may use stored information in Panel system storage502 or server storage 512 to determine whether to operate a localelectronic device 541 or notify the user. Additionally, the Panel system501 may use GPS or Bluetooth information from a remote computing device531 (e.g. user's wireless user device) to determine whether to operatethe doorbell chime.

The Panel system 501 may be configured to communicate between the abovelocal electronic devices 541 (e.g. security devices, smart thermostat,smart devices, or smart appliances) by sending and retrieving proximityinformation, schedule information, textual (e.g. email, SMS, MMS, text,etc . . . ), visual, motion, or audio information, as well as useraccess information shared between electronic devices. For example, thePanel system 501 may be configured to be notified by these smart devicesof exterior weather conditions, vehicle or user location, pedestrians,air quality, allergens/pollen, peak hours, etc. Notification may be madethrough text, email, visual, or audio information provided by remotecomputing devices 531, server 511, and/or local electronic devices 541or any other electronic device mentioned above. Once a smart device(e.g. security camera 541) detects an individual, environmental activitymay be relayed to the Panel system 501, then to a server 511 or remotecomputing device 531 for requesting or determining an appropriateresponse.

In this way, the Panel system 501 acts as a hub for collecting andprocessing environmental activity from other electronic devices thenprompting the server 511 or remote computing device 531 for controlinstructions to play a digital or analog chime, message, video, orgreeting, or collect environmental activity (e.g. data, video, audio,temperature, etc.,) to send to a computing device (e.g. base module 301,local electronic devices 541, remote computing devices 531, server 511,etc.). The Panel system 501 may also operate local electronic devices541 based on user conditions or preferences. For example, if a user isapproaching or leaving a home, the Panel system 501 may set electronicdevices to home or away mode using one or more of: geolocation ofwireless user device 531, motion or audio feedback to one or more Panelsystems 501 or local electronic devices 541. The Panel system 501 mayalso be configured to first prompt a user or user(s) before enablingsuch functionality.

The Panel system 501 may be communicatively coupled to and controlled,programmed, or reprogrammed by local electronic devices 541 in thebuilding, remote computing devices 531, or by one or more servers 511 tocollect such data or collect additional data.

The Panel system 501 may also include a key fob 503 that a user maycarry to operate local electronic devices 541 (e.g. smart lock or entrypoint devices 260). In some exemplary embodiments, the key fob 503 maybe, for example and not limited to, a RFID card or RFID device that maybe attached to a remote computing device 531. In some exemplaryembodiments, the Panel system 501 may be programmed by the user torespond to the key fob 503 based on a schedule, geo-location of a user,user preferences, etc. Responses may include any combination of,operating one or more Panel systems 501, one or more entry point devices260, operating local electronic device 541, and the like.

In some exemplary embodiments, the Panel system 501 may take a snapshotof the individual, processes facial features of the individual, andcreates a digital photo id, digital access id, or the like, forimprinting on an access card, key card, or key fob. The access id may bea physical type of id (e.g. key fob) or a digital type of id (e.g.access through facial recognition). The building 100 may have an entrypoint device 260 (smart lock) that accepts key fobs or access cardscreated by the Panel system 501. In this way, the Panel system 501 maycreate physical access cards for entering through an entry door orgarage. A miniature or portable printing device may be attached or builtinto the Panel system 501 for printing the snapshot of the individual tocreate the access card, key fob, or key card. To have access to thebuilding, the individual may, for example, download an APP for the Panelsystem 501 or receive permission to access and download the APP througha text or email message. The individual may then provide personalinformation, for example, phone number, name, email, address, date ofbirth, driver license, social security number, etc., to verify theiridentity and receive authorization to access the building. Uponproviding the personal information and receiving authorization, thePanel system 501 may verify the identity of the individual by taking asnapshot and sending a verification code to their remote computingdevice 531.

The Panel system 501 may use a shared IP or dedicated IP. The Panelsystem 501 having a fixed or static IP may benefit from numerousadvantages, such as but not limited to, less downtime or powerconsumption from IP address refreshes, Private SSL Certificate,Anonymous FTP, Remote access, and access when the domain name isinaccessible.

The Panel system 501 may further be communicably coupled to one or moredoor sensors and window sensors. The door sensors and window sensors maynotify the Panel system 501 in the event of a window or door opening,the Panel system 501 may then turn on and begin capturing audio andvideo of the event and concurrently or subsequently notify one or morelocal electronic devices 541, remote computing devices 531, servers 511,etc.

A remote computing device may be a smart device, a smart phone, avehicle, a tablet, a laptop, a TV, or any electronic device capable ofwirelessly connecting to a network or joining a wireless network. Theremote computing device may be wirelessly and communicably associated toan individual either through a network or server (e.g. through a useraccount on the server, or WiFi™ login information), or through visualinformation collected by the SRV device. The terms remote computingdevice, individual, and user may be used interchangeably throughout thepresent disclosure.

The server may be a computer that provides data to other computers. Itmay serve data to systems on a local area network (LAN) or a wide areanetwork (WAN) over the Internet. The server may comprise of one or moretypes of servers (e.g. a web server or file server), each running itsown software specific to the purpose of the server for sharing services,data, or files over a network. The server may be any computer configuredto act as a server (e.g. a desktop computer, or single or multiplerack-mountable servers) and accessible remotely using remote accesssoftware.

Proximity determination may be made by using a combination of visual,motion, and audio information. The sensor components or sensor modules,server, remote computing device, and/or Smart Panel system (Smart Paneland/or base module) may defined a virtual perimeter for a real-worldgeographic area. The Smart Panel system may also respond to geofencingtriggers. Geofencing may be accomplished using location aware devicesthrough, for example, GPS, RFID technology, wireless network connectioninformation, cellular network connection information, etc. Visual,motion, and audio information may be collected by the Smart Panel systemor server to substantiate an individual(s)/remote computing device(s)physical location.

The network may be a network of computers, a local area network (LAN), awide area network (WAN), or an Intranet, or a network of networks, forexample, the Internet. Moreover, various interfaces may be used toconnect to the network such as cellular interfaces, WiFi™ interfaces.Infrared interfaces, RFID interfaces, ZigBee interfaces, Bluetoothinterfaces, Ethernet interfaces, coaxial interfaces, optical interfaces,or generally any communication interface that may be used for devicecommunication. The purpose of the network is to enable the sharing offiles and information between multiple systems.

The term “within a proximity”, “a vicinity”, “within a vicinity”,“within a predetermined distance”, and the like may be defined betweenabout 10 meters and about 2000 meters. The term “coupled” is defined asconnected, whether directly or indirectly through interveningcomponents, and is not necessarily limited to physical connections. Theconnection may be such that the objects are permanently connected orreleasably connected. The term “substantially” is defined to beessentially conforming to the particular dimension, shape, or otherfeature that the term modifies, such that the component need not beexact. For example, “substantially cylindrical” means that the objectresembles a cylinder, but may have one or more deviations from a truecylinder. The term “comprising,” when utilized, means “including, butnot necessarily limited to”; it specifically indicates open-endedinclusion or membership in the so-described combination, group, seriesand the like.

The term “a predefined distance” may be defined as the distance of anapproaching individual as the individual nears one or more Smart Panelsystems, or a traceable object used in determining environmentalfeatures and/or conditions. The predefined distance may be defined asbetween about 1 meter and about 2000 meters.

The terms “predefined” or “predetermined” period of time may be definedto be between about 0.5 second to about 10 minutes.

The processor of the Smart Panel system, remoting computing device, orserver may perform an action (e.g. first, second, third, etc . . . )comprising of a single action, set of actions, or a list or blend ofactions based on one or more of: a proximity of an individual(s) orremote computing device(s), a time of day, environmental activity and/orenvironmental features, visual, motion, or audio information, aschedule, user(s) preferences, and the state and settings of entry pointdevices, Smart Panel system, and local electronic devices, as describedabove. The action may be any one of: locking/unlocking the smart lock,operating smart lights, fully or partially opening one or more garagedoors, ringing a digital smart doorbell chime, ringing a manualin-building mechanical or digital doorbell chime, operating athermostat, smart TV, or other local electronic devices. The action mayalso include playing a music file, sound file, greeting, or message inresponse to a detected change in occupancy and/or environmentalconditions and/or features, or in response to a detected or definedaudio, proximity, visual, or motion trigger. The action may alsocomprise of controlling other smart devices as communicated through theSmart Panel system or server, for example, turning on a ceiling fan,outlet, and communicating with remote computing device(s) or detectedindividual(s). The action may also comprise of sending an email, text,or SMS to a server, smart devices, or remote computing device(s).

In response to any of the above actions, the action may also comprise ofturning of the Smart Panel system and/or closing sensor cover forsafety, privacy, or security. The server, user, remote computing device,or an electronic device may perform any action or series of actions toachieve convenience, safety, security, or privacy for the user,resident, or tenant.

Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the foregoing disclosedsystems and functionalities may be designed and configured into computerfiles (e.g. RTL, GDSII, GERBER, etc.) stored on computer-readable media.Some or all such files may be provided to fabrication handlers whofabricate devices based on such files. Resulting products includesemiconductor wafers that are separated into semiconductor dies andpackaged into semiconductor chips. The semiconductor chips are thenemployed in devices, such as, an IoT system, the SRV device, or acombination thereof.

Those of skill would further appreciate that the various illustrativelogical blocks, configurations, modules, circuits, and algorithm stepsdescribed in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may beimplemented as electronic hardware, computer software executed by aprocessor, or combinations of both. Various illustrative components,blocks, configurations, modules, circuits, and steps have been describedabove generally in terms of their functionality. Whether suchfunctionality is implemented as hardware or processor executableinstructions depends upon the particular application and designconstraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans mayimplement the described functionality in varying ways for eachparticular application, but such implementation decisions should not beinterpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the presentdisclosure.

The steps of a method or algorithm described in connection with theembodiments disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in asoftware module executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two.A software module may reside in random access memory (RAM), flashmemory, read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM),erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasableprogrammable read-only memory (EEPROM), registers, hard disk, aremovable disk, a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), or any otherform of non-transient storage medium known in the art. An exemplarystorage medium is coupled to the processor such that the processor mayread information from, and write information to, the storage medium. Inthe alternative, the storage medium may be integral to the processor.The processor and the storage medium may reside in anapplication-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The ASIC may reside in acomputing device or a user terminal. In the alternative, the processor,and the storage medium may reside as discrete components in a computingdevice or user terminal.

Further, specific details are given in the description to provide athorough understanding of the embodiments. However, embodiments may bepracticed without these specific details. For example, well-knowncircuits, processes, algorithms, structures, and techniques have beenshown without unnecessary detail to avoid obscuring the embodiments.This description provides example embodiments only and is not intendedto limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention.Rather, the preceding description of the embodiments will provide thoseskilled in the art with an enabling description for implementingembodiments of the invention. Various changes may be made in thefunction and arrangement of elements without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention.

Where applicable, various embodiments provided by the present disclosuremay be implemented using hardware, software, or combinations of hardwareand software. In addition, where applicable, the various hardwarecomponents and/or software components, set forth herein, may be combinedinto composite components comprising software, hardware, and/or bothwithout departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Whereapplicable, the various hardware components and/or software componentsset forth herein may be separated into sub-components comprisingsoftware, hardware, or both without departing from the scope of thepresent disclosure. In addition, where applicable, it is contemplatedthat software components may be implemented as hardware components andvice-versa.

Software or application, in accordance with the present disclosure, suchas program code and/or data, may be stored on one or morecomputer-readable mediums. It is also contemplated that softwareidentified herein may be implemented using one or more general purposeor specific purpose computers and/or computer systems, networked and/orotherwise. Where applicable, the ordering of various steps describedherein may be changed, combined into composite steps, and/or separatedinto sub-steps to provide features described herein.

As used in this specification and any claims of this application, theterms “base station”, “receiver”, “computer”, “server”, “processor”, and“memory” all refer to electronic or other technological devices. Theseterms exclude people or groups of people. For the purposes of thespecification, the terms “display” or “displaying” means displaying onan electronic device. As used herein, the phrase “at least one of”preceding a series of items, with the term “and” or “or” to separate anyof the items, modifies the list as a whole, rather than each member ofthe list (i.e., each item). The phrase “at least one of” does notrequire selection of at least one of each item listed; rather, thephrase allows a meaning that includes at least one of any one of theitems, and/or at least one of any combination of the items, and/or atleast one of each of the items. By way of example, the phrases “at leastone of A, B, and C” or “at least one of A, B, or C” each refer to onlyA, only B, or only C; any combination of A, B, and C; and/or at leastone of each of A, B, and C.

The predicate words “configured to”, “operable to”, and “programmed to”do not imply any particular tangible or intangible modification of asubject, but, rather, are intended to be used interchangeably. In one ormore implementations, a processor configured to monitor and control anoperation or a component may also mean the processor being programmed tomonitor and control the operation or the processor being operable tomonitor and control the operation. Likewise, a processor configured toexecute code may be construed as a processor programmed to execute codeor operable to execute code.

Phrases such as an aspect, the aspect, another aspect, some aspects, oneor more aspects, an implementation, the implementation, anotherimplementation, some implementations, one or more implementations, anembodiment, the embodiment, another embodiment, some embodiments, one ormore embodiments, a configuration, the configuration, anotherconfiguration, some configurations, one or more configurations, thepresent disclosure, the disclosure, the present disclosure, othervariations thereof and alike are for convenience and do not imply that adisclosure relating to such phrase(s) is essential to the presentdisclosure or that such disclosure applies to all configurations of thepresent disclosure. A disclosure relating to such phrase(s) may apply toall configurations, or one or more configurations. A disclosure relatingto such phrase(s) may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as anaspect or some aspects may refer to one or more aspects and vice versa,and this applies similarly to other foregoing phrases.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example,instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as“exemplary” or as an “example” is not necessarily to be construed aspreferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Furthermore, to theextent that the term “include”, “have”, or the like is used in thedescription or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in amanner similar to the term “comprise” as “comprise” is interpreted whenemployed as a transitional word in a claim.

All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the variousaspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or latercome to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expresslyincorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed bythe claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to bededicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure isexplicitly recited in the claims. No claim element is to be construedunder the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph, unless theelement is expressly recited using the phrase “means for” or, in thecase of a method claim, the element is recited using the phrase “stepfor.”

The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is provided toenable a person skilled in the art to make or use the disclosedembodiments. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readilyapparent to those skilled in the art, and the principles defined hereinmay be applied to other embodiments without departing from the scope ofthe disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to belimited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widestscope possible consistent with the principles and novel features asdefined by the following claims.

The embodiments shown and described above are only examples. Manydetails are often found in the art such as the other features of animage device. Therefore, many such details are neither shown nordescribed. Even though numerous characteristics and advantages of thepresent technology have been set forth in the foregoing description,together with details of the structure and function of the presentdisclosure, the disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be madein the detail, especially in matters of shape, size, and arrangement ofthe parts within the principles of the present disclosure, up to andincluding the full extent established by the broad general meaning ofthe terms used in the claims. It will therefore be appreciated that theembodiments described above may be modified within the scope of theclaims.

What is claimed:
 1. A smart panel device comprising: at least onememory; at least one module; at least one recess formed on a top surfaceof the smart panel device for receiving the at least one module; whereina bottom surface of the at least one module contacts the top surface ofthe at least one recess, at least one side surface of the at least onemodule substantially fits within the recess, wherein the at least onemodule is communicably and detachably coupled to the smart panel devicethrough the at least one recess, and wherein the smart panel device isdirectly connected to at least one building wiring to receive a firstsignal; wherein the smart panel device is communicably coupled to one ormore electronic devices through the at least one module to transmit asecond signal, wherein the one or more electronic devices are operablethrough the smart panel device; at least one or more interconnect ports,wherein the one or more interconnect ports communicably couple at leastone of audio, video, data, or power to another one or more electronicdevices; wherein the at least one module increases or decreases powerconsumption from the at least one building wiring based on at least oneof: peak hours, learned user habits, or user preferences; a processor,coupled to the at least one memory, the processor is configured to causea first action upon detecting a first activity; and a display configuredto display at least one of the following: device identificationinformation or notifications received from the at least one module, theone or more electronic devices, or both based on information detectedfrom a surrounding environment.
 2. The smart panel device of claim 1,further comprising a network module coupling the smart panel device to alocal area network, wherein the smart panel device is communicablycoupled to and receives instruction from at least one of a remotecomputing device, a server, or one or more other smart panel devices,and wherein the one or more interconnect ports communicably couple theat least one of audio, video, data, or power to the another one or moreelectronic devices through a wired connection or wirelessly through theone or more modules.
 3. The smart panel device of claim 2, wherein thesmart panel device comprises of at least one connector for detachablycoupling the at least one module to the smart panel device.
 4. The smartpanel device of claim 3, wherein the smart panel device is configured tobe attached to a wall box.
 5. The smart panel device of claim 4, whereinthe at least one module comprises a touch sensitive surface, and whereinuser interaction with the touch sensitive surface transmits a controlsignal to the one or more electronic devices.
 6. The smart panel deviceof claim 4, wherein the user interaction with the touch sensitivesurface of the at least one module operates at least one of a lightbulb, lighting fixture, or outlet.
 7. The smart panel device of claim 6,wherein the at least one module comprises of at least one interconnectport for coupling at least one of an interconnect cable, power cable,media cable, or an electronic device to the smart panel device.
 8. Thesmart panel device of claim 7, wherein the smart panel device furthercomprises a voltage regulator/converter for providing a predeterminedcurrent and voltage to at least one of the interconnect port and the atleast one module.
 9. The smart panel device of claim 5, wherein the atleast one module is one of a video teleconferencing array module, systemon a chip (SOC), Wi-Fi extender, thermostat, speaker, intercom, virtualassistant device, camera, motion sensor, temperature sensor, humiditysensor, or wind sensor, and wherein the one or more sensors acquirespace information or individual information of the surroundingenvironment to enable image recognition technology, facial recognitiontechnology, geolocation technology, or voice recognition technology. 10.The smart panel device of claim 9, wherein at least one of the one ormore sensors is integrated within the smart panel device.
 11. The smartpanel device of claim 10, wherein the processor is configured to operatethe one or more electronic devices based on instructions stored on theat least one memory.
 12. The smart panel device of claim 11, furthercomprising one or more sensor covers for covering the one or moresensors and wherein the one or more sensor covers are configured by theprocessor.
 13. The smart panel device of claim 9, wherein the firstaction comprises of collecting at least one of the geolocationinformation, visual information, audio information, and theenvironmental information.
 14. The smart panel device of claim 13,wherein following the first action the smart panel device sends anotification alert, the visual information, the audio information, andthe environmental information to the remote computing device.
 15. Thesmart panel device of claim 9, wherein a combination of facialrecognition technology, voice recognition technology and an ability toadjust the sensitivity of the one or more sensors enables the smartpanel device to discriminate between the presence of a human being andother living beings.
 16. A method comprising: detecting, by one or moresensors, an environmental condition; communicating the environmentalcondition to a smart panel device; communicably and detachably couplingat least one module to the smart panel device through at least onerecess formed on the top surface of the smart panel device; wherein abottom surface of the at least one module contacts the top surface ofthe at least one recess, and at least one side surface of the at leastone module substantially fits within the recess; displaying, on thesmart panel device, at least one of the following: device identificationinformation or notifications received from the at least one module, theone or more electronic devices, or both based on information detectedfrom a surrounding environment; communicably coupling one or moreelectronic devices to the smart panel device through the at least onemodule; wherein the smart panel device comprises of one or moreinterconnect ports; wherein another one or more electronic devicescommunicably couple to receive at least one of audio, video, data, orpower through the at least one interconnect ports; and performing afirst action, by the smart panel device, based on the detecting.
 17. Themethod of claim 16, wherein the first action comprises of operating atleast one of a light bulb, ceiling fan, lighting fixture, or outlet; andwherein the at least one of audio, video, data, or power is providedthrough a wired connection or wirelessly through the one or moreinterconnect ports.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the first actionfurther comprises attaching a device to the smart panel device andproviding a predetermined current and voltage to the attached device.19. The method of claim 17, wherein the attached device is at least oneof a cable coupled to an electronic device.
 20. The method of claim 19,wherein the smart panel device is communicably coupled to one or moresmart panel devices, and wherein environmental condition comprises of atleast one of a temperature, humidity, smoke, CO, CO₂, air particulate,ambient light, motion, barometer, infrared, airflow or airspeedinformation, and wherein the first action comprises of acquiring theenvironmental condition by at least one of the one or more smart paneldevices or the one or more electronic devices, from at least an interiorenvironment or an exterior environment.
 21. The method of claim 20,further comprising of comparing the environmental condition acquired bythe one or more smart panel devices to user preferences stored in adatabase prior to performing the first action.
 22. The method of claim21, wherein a user is prompted to approve of operating the one or moreelectronic devices.
 23. The method of claim 22, wherein at least one ofthe one or more sensors is integrated within the smart panel device. 24.The method of claim 16, wherein detecting the surrounding environmentutilizes at least one of image recognition technology, facialrecognition technology, geofencing technology, or voice recognitiontechnology.
 25. The method of claim 16, wherein the first actioncomprises of acquiring at least one of the space information and theindividual information of the surrounding environment; wherein theindividual information comprises of at least one of the following: size,build, temperature, and number of individuals in the space, and whereinthe space information comprises of at least one of the following:furniture type and location, smart panel device installation location,status and location of windows and doors, openings and cavities in thesurrounding environment.
 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the spaceinformation acquired by the one or more sensors is compared to a storedspace information in a database.
 27. The method of claim 26, furthercomprising of storing the space information acquired by the one or moresensors in the database; wherein the database is stored on a server oran at least one memory of the smart panel device.
 28. The method ofclaim 27, further comprising of comparing the at least one of the spaceinformation to user preferences stored in the database prior.
 29. Themethod of claim 28, wherein the space information in the database isupdated with the space information acquired by the one or more sensorsor one or more electronic devices, and wherein a user is prompted toapprove updating of the database with the space information acquired bythe one or more sensors.